Governance and Safeguarding
Safeguarding
If you think a child or adult is at immediate risk of harm or a crime has been committed, you should call 999.
If you have any concerns around the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult, please contact our KXC Safeguarding Officers. Their details can be found below.
Every person has a value and dignity, which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.
We accept and endorse the principles of the Church of England's Safeguarding Policy: ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ and follow the practice guidance of the National Church.
We commit ourselves to nurture, protect and safeguard all our members, particularly children, young people and vulnerable adults.
We recognise that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church community.
We undertake to exercise proper care in the selection, appointment, training and support of those working in both paid and voluntary positions with children or vulnerable adults, including the use of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosures and making appropriate referrals to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
We will respond without delay to concerns or allegations that a child or vulnerable adult may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and social care services in any investigation.
We will challenge any abuse of power by anyone in a position of trust.
We will seek to offer pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them appropriate pastoral support.
We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult.
Every person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by KXC.
Safeguarding Contacts
If you have any concerns around the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult, please contact our KXC Safeguarding Officers at safeguarding@kxc.org.uk.
KXC Safeguarding Officer
Rev’d Ruth May
KXC Safeguarding Officer
Rich Spens
KXC Safeguarding Officer (Trustee Representative)
Sophie Guthrie
Other contacts
If you would prefer to speak with someone outside of KXC, please contact the Safeguarding Team at the Diocese of London or one of the following agencies:
London Diocesan Safeguarding Officer: 020 7932 1224
NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000
Childline: 0800 1111
Thirtyone:Eight: 0303 003 1111
Samaritans: 116 123
National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Mankind: 01823 334244
Streetlink: 0300 500 0914
Further guidance can be found via the Church of England:
1. Safeguarding Policies and Practice Guidance
2. Safeguarding Handbook
Governance
Good governance within the church context is crucial for maintaining transparency, accountability and solid ethical practice. It enables the church to live out its vision, mission and values while safeguarding the interests of the community. As a charity, we are governed by our board of Trustees. The role of a Trustee is explained further here. Our Trustee board meets five times a year and discusses all aspects of the church’s activities, finances, risks and future plans.
As an Anglican Church, KXC is also accountable to Bishops, Archdeacons and the Diocese of London. The foundation of this is our BMO (Bishop’s Mission Order) which defines our vision and enables our mission in the locality of King’s Cross and surrounding areas.
We also want to specifically highlight the following safeguards in place at KXC that have been recently reviewed and updated.
Experienced and empowered Trustee board, made up of highly skilled internal and external voices from a range of professional backgrounds.
Whistleblowing Policy. This provides a formal process for staff to report any areas of concern within the church, predominantly related to issues around employment.
Complaints Policy. This provides a formal process for members of the congregation to report any areas of concern within the church.
360 Appraisal reviews for Senior Leadership. Our Senior Leaders and Associate Team are given a 360 review by a Trustee each year, which includes feedback from those that they line manage.
Safeguarding Oversight and Training. KXC is supported by the Diocese of London’s Safeguarding Team who provide formal training and ongoing support. This includes the provision of ongoing training and support for Trustees, Staff, and any volunteers working with children or vulnerable adults.
Complaints Procedure
We welcome complaints, compliments, and comments as every piece of feedback helps us to understand what we are doing well and where there are opportunities for us to learn and improve. If we have failed to meet the high standards, we set for ourselves then we would like to know what has happened, to deal with the situation as quickly as possible and to take action to make sure that the same thing does not happen again.
Pastoral Care
Hubs (small groups) are our primary vehicle for pastoral Care at KXC, and each Hub is overseen by a Cluster Leader to provide further support. We also have an experienced Pastoral Care team, along with a recommended list of counsellors.
How to process failures in the church or leadership
Mind and Soul wrote the following helpful article in response to the recent media reports relating to the investigation into safeguarding concerns related to Mike Pilavachi, the former leader of Soul Survivor. The Church of England also provide further advice on how to respond well to victims and survivors of all forms of abuse.